KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
22nd September 2017
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 International News
Products
Porcel-Thin wins Business Innovator Award
Abode's collection of Dune sinks shortlisted in House Beautiful 2017 Award
The four sinks have a strong organic design style to them... rounded corners, sumptuous bowls and a stunning ripple-effect practical drainer pattern. These creative features are the backbone to the design which is right 'on trend' with current kitchen design fashion.
British Ceramic Tile introduces a contemporary Laura Ashley splashback collection
The new Space Tower from LDL - too good to hide
Available now, the new Space Tower offers virtually unlimited co-ordination opportunities with the external kitchen design. Major update project transforms Marpatt graphics catalogue in ArtiCAD-Pro
Amica launches new cooling that will help to tackle food waste.
Neolith celebrates the workshop professional with 'Top Fabricator' competition
Bushboard to exhibit Nuance at Sleep 2017 (Stand DG6, London Design Centre)
Hotpoint launches new range of dishwashers
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London Fire Brigade's latest campaign is going to impact quite heavily on this industry's appliance manufacturers... Its 'Don't turn your back on fridge fire risk' and 'Total Recalls' messages have been picked up by Which? - something that's likely to lead to demands from buyers in store and online, that manufacturers comply with LBF's recommendations. Which? has this week added its voice to the LBF's campaign by asking manufacturers to stop making non-flame retardant plastic-backed fridges and freezers. The publication has written to manufacturers to urge them to stop using non-flame retardant plastic backing on fridges, freezers and fridge freezers, which could create a fire risk in people's homes due to their potential to accelerate the spread of fire. In response to the announcement by Which? that it is getting behind the campaign, LFB's assistant commissioner for Fire Safety Dan Daly said: "We have been calling for fridges and freezers to be properly covered with fire retardant backing for a number of years and so we are pleased Which? has added weight to our campaign. "The entire back of fridges and freezers must be properly covered in fire resistant material to limit the spread of fire but the current manufacturing standards still allows for holes in the backing for cables or components which would leave the highly flammable insulation inside exposed. "Partially covering the back of a fridge is like having a fire door with a hole in it that would allow fire, heat and smoke to pass through. "Nearly one fire a day in London involves white goods and June's tragic fire at Grenfell Tower started in a fridge freezer. Between 2010 and 2016 there have been nine fire deaths and 298 injuries as a result of fires involving white goods in London." The Brigade has made a series of urgent calls for action to make white goods safer as part of its Total Recalls campaign. I'm aware that many manufacturers now include fire resistant backing as a matter of course, but in light of the assistant commissioner's warnings about cable holes being an issue, I'm wondering how much extra work is going to be involved in producing something that's completely safe without creating other problems with regard to cable management and extra bulk. Over to you... Yours,
 This Week's News
KBBG welcomes JTP as a new supplier to members
JTP is one of the UK's leading bathroom suppliers; consistently offering exceptional quality products that cater for all types of homes and lifestyles. JTP also offers a diverse mix of modern and traditional kitchen mixer taps, which are guaranteed to add a splash of luxury. The complete bathroom solution from Crosswater
Perfect for introducing a high-tech element to bathing spaces, Bauhaus by Crosswater's new range of LED mirrors offers the latest in sensor-operated illumination. Combining user-friendly technology alongside design excellence, the Mike Pro mirror comes in two sizes and provides a bright, radiant light that is triggered with a simple hand motion. How changing UK bathing habits can boost business for KBB retailers
Ash Chilver, sales director at HiB, has some ideas on how this change in our personal habits can be used to the advantage of the KBB industry. Roman celebrates Queen's Award
The Lord Lieutenant was formally welcomed by managing director David Osborne, before being given a tour of the showroom and the manufacturing plants, meeting members of the workforce along the way. Easy use for everyone - a new classic from VitrA
There are three basin mixers in the range - a standard size and a tall monobloc, both with or without pop-up waste and one with a useful swivel spout. The Z-Line range also includes built-in shower and bath/shower mixers - these models are designed to be used with VitrA's concealed part and need a minimum pressure of 1 bar. Additionally, there is a shower mixer and bath/shower mixer that complements this angular range. Bertazzoni goes to new lengths with 110cm range
The new 110cm triple ovens can be fitted with a 6-burner gas hobs, or an electric induction top allowing the customer complete flexibility. The Professional Series cookers can be specified in a variety of colourways including stainless, burgundy, black and white as well as brighter shades of yellow, orange and red associated with classically-Italian sports cars. Bette appoints new distributor
From 1st January 2018, products will be ordered through Davroc and Farmiloes, which will continue to provide nationwide coverage. The price is right with Blanco's new online dealer portal
Home appliance brand launches cookery club scheme for primary schools
With cooking and nutrition now forming part of the curriculum across the UK but only an estimated 25% of primary schools having a teaching kitchen or facilities, it is believed that the majority of Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils don't receive practical cookery experiences. Ridgeons donates essential building materials to Barbuda hurricane appeal
The appeal, operated by Suffolk residents Alice Bolton and her mother Ruth Bolton, who have family and friends living in Barbuda, will be receiving items from the Ridgeons branch including tarpaulins, nails, screws, hammers, saws, hand tools and tape measures. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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GM Distribution joins the expanding BMA GM Distribution of Milton Keynes has joined the Bathroom Manufacturers Association as a new affiliate member. This takes the number of brands which the trade association supports to well over 100 and GMGB's additional wealth of understanding and knowledge of the industry will be much appreciated throughout the BMA.  The first edition of Franke's new flagship thought leadership event 'Think Next by Franke' brought almost 500 guests to the company's headquarters in Aarburg, Switzerland. Mayor's focus on small sites can help solve London's housing crisis, says FMB
Over 5% of UK homes now have a wetroom installation
BMA finalises industry conference line up
KBSA announces another speaker for National Conference
Abode products appear on ITV's 'Love your home & garden'
Triton - now installing showers in living rooms
Consumers can meet a kitchen expert at Grand Designs
People
Ideal Standard appoints Stephen Ewer as managing director UK & Ireland
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